2026 Community Spark Grant Accepting Applications
For the fifth year in a row, the League of American Bicyclists is thrilled to announce that we are accepting proposals for Community Spark Grants! Launched in 2022, this mini-grant program awards organizations for projects and initiatives that catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more accessible.
The League’s Community Spark Grants support the growing number of local grassroots changemakers and organizations nationwide working to improve their communities through better bicycling. This year, the awards will be for $2,000 each. Any nonprofit organization or public agency can apply to receive this funding. The goal is for organizations to propose projects that spark change by expanding the capacity for local leaders and creating inclusive coalitions that help build more Bicycle Friendly Communities. Learn more about project eligibility here.
This year, ten Community Spark Grants will be awarded. Generous support for these grants comes from General Motors (GM). Of the ten organizations to receive awards, five must be in GM Facility communities. The other five can be based anywhere in the United States but must align with our Equity and Accessibility criteria, which can be found on the Community Spark Grant website or application page.
We will review the applications holistically and use the specific equity and accessibility questions to help us narrow down the candidates. Selection will be based on those who demonstrate the highest impact of their project for the community with the most demonstrated need. Projects are required to be completed by the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2026); preference will be given to projects that can be completed by October 2026.
2026 Community Spark Grant Timeline
- Application Opens: November 24, 2025
- Application Closes: January 27, 2026, at 5pm ET
- Applications Reviewed: January-February 2026
- Applicants Selected and Notified: March 2026
- Project Execution: March-December 2026
- Final Reports Due: December 2026
How to Apply
We hope this funding can be the spark that puts your next idea into action! Learn more about the Community Spark Grant, how to apply, project eligibility, and deadlines, and read about past winners on our Community Spark Grants page.